Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the Recognizing the Importance of Critical Minerals in Healthcare Act sponsored by my friend and colleague, Representative Curtis, who I, too, am going to miss when he goes to the other side, but I still plan on working very closely together with him. This bill would require the United States Geological Survey to consult with the Department of Health and Human Services on the critical minerals list. The critical minerals list, as folks know, can be quite controversial, but this bill takes a true good-governance approach by increasing intergovernmental coordination. It is straightforward. The critical minerals list identifies the mineral commodities that are critical to our Nation's economic and national security. Healthcare is, of course, vitally important to our economic and national security. This bill recognizes the importance of the minerals used by the healthcare sector. Certain platinum metals are used in chemotherapy and cardiac technology. Zinc is used to carry portable oxygen and in defibrillators. Lithium is used in pacemakers and other portable electronics. There are countless examples of lifesaving medicines and medical devices that use critical minerals. USGS already consults with the Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy and the U.S. Trade Representative on the critical minerals list and informally consults with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.…”